Mobile modular furniture framework

ABSTRACT

The Mobile Modular Furniture Framework consists units of furniture constructed to be moved without being unpacked. Each unit will have an internal mechanism to secure the items stored within. Possible securing mechanisms include, but are not limited to, air bags or internal straps. Each unit will also have a mechanism, a handle or a strap, that facilitates carrying. The units will be able to be stacked in combinations that produce visually attractive bookshelves, chests of drawers, dressers, filing cabinets, beds, wardrobes, or other furniture used for storage. There will be horizontal surfaces included in the framework that will combine with the storage units to create desks and tables. The Mobile Modular Furniture Framework includes a collection of bases, with and without wheels, upon which the storage units will sit to further enhance customizability and mobility. There will also be a collection of toppers help finish combinations, and, in some cases, add stability.

REFERENCES

U.S. Patent Documents 3653734 April, 1972 Ungaro 312/107 3812977 May, 1974 Glassman 312/107 4153311 May, 1974 Takahashi 312/107 4055924 November, 1977 Beaver 312/107 4384751 May, 1983 Guntermann 312/107 4423913 January, 1984 Lee 312/107 4577914 March, 1986 Stravitz 312/107 4699270 October, 1987 Bohm 312/107 4717214 January, 1988 Moore et al. 312/107 4863222 September, 1989 Posso 312/107 5147120 September, 1992 Ray 312/107 5271515 December, 1993 Berkheimer et al. 312/107 5690401 November, 1997 Franklin 312/107 5775046 July, 1998 Fanger et al. 312/107 5826955 October, 1998 Sanders et al. 312/107 5924778 July, 1999 TenBrink 312/107 6283564 September, 2001 Corson 312/107 6578937 June, 2003 Thoman 312/107 6676231 January, 2004 Kelly et al. 312/107 6877824 April, 2005 Winkless 312/107 4316644 February, 1982 Johnson 312/6 4382640 May, 1983 Kashden 312/3

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Historically, modular furniture inventions have focused on defining modular pieces and ensuring the flexible, stable composition furniture with those pieces. This invention ensures flexible, stable composition and then takes the next step of ensuring portability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Mobile Modular Furniture Framework consists units of furniture constructed to be moved without being unpacked. Each unit will have an internal mechanism to secure the items stored within. Possible securing mechanisms include, but are not limited to, air bags or internal straps. Each unit will also have a mechanism, a handle or a strap, that facilitates carrying. The units will be able to be stacked in combinations that produce visually attractive bookshelves, chests of drawers, dressers, filing cabinets, beds, wardrobes, or other furniture used for storage. There will be horizontal surfaces included in the framework that will combine with the storage units to create desks and tables. The Mobile Modular Furniture Framework includes a collection of bases, with and without wheels, upon which the storage units will sit to further enhance customizability and mobility. There will also be a collection of toppers help finish combinations, and, in some cases, add stability.

One will be able to combine sets of the modular units to create desired furniture storage units. Each modular furniture unit will have a mechanism that allows it to be stacked or fastened to a neighboring unit, or units, for stability. The mechanism will allow quick and easy assembly and disassembly. Though rectangular will likely be the most common, the units may be of any shape. The units can be constructed from any appropriate material including, but not limited to, wood, metal, and plastic. There will be shelving type units, drawer type units, wardrobe type units, filing cabinet type units, table-desk type units, and combination type units.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the perspective view of a rectangular shelf type unit with an internal airbag as the securing mechanism example 1 holding items 3, books in this example, in place. The airbag in this example has an externally protruding valve 2. The unit in this example has a handle 4 incorporated into the design of the left and right walls. The drawing also shows stacking feet 5 with corresponding stacking holes 6 as a stacking mechanism example. Door connectors 7 and their corresponding holes 8 are also shown as door connector example.

FIG. 2 shows the side view of a rectangular shelf type unit with an internal airbag as the securing mechanism example 1 holding items 3, books in this example, in place. The airbag in this example has an externally protruding valve 2. The unit in this example has a handle 4 incorporated into the design of the left and right walls. The drawing also shows stacking feet 5 with corresponding stacking holes 6 as a stacking mechanism example.

FIG. 3 shows the top view of a rectangular shelf type unit. The airbag in this example has an externally protruding valve 2. The drawing also shows stacking holes 6 as part of a stacking mechanism example. Door connector holes 8 are also shown as part of a door connector example. This view is representative of all top views that use an airbag.

FIG. 4 shows the top view of a rectangular shelf type unit. The unit in this example has a handle 4 incorporated into the design of the left and right walls. The drawing also shows stacking feet 5 as part of a stacking mechanism example. Door connectors 7 are also shown as part of a door connector example. This view is representative of all bottom views.

FIG. 5 shows the perspective view of a rectangular shelf type unit with an internal strap 13 as the securing mechanism example holding items 3, books in this example, in place. The airbag in this example has an externally protruding valve 2. The unit in this example has a handle 4 incorporated into the design of the left and right walls. The drawing also shows stacking feet 5 with corresponding stacking holes 6 as a stacking mechanism example. Door connectors 7 and their corresponding holes 8 are also shown as door connector example.

FIG. 6 shows the side view of a rectangular shelf type unit with an internal strap 13 as the securing mechanism example holding items 3, books in this example, in place. The unit in this example has a handle 4 incorporated into the design of the left and right walls. The drawing also shows stacking feet 5 with corresponding stacking holes 6 as a stacking mechanism example.

FIG. 7 shows the top view of a rectangular shelf type unit with an internal strap 13 as the securing mechanism example holding items 3, books in this example, in place. The drawing also shows stacking holes 6 as part of a stacking mechanism example. Door connector holes 8 are also shown as part of a door connector example. This view is representative of all top views that do not use an airbag.

FIG. 8 shows the perspective view of a rectangular wardrobe type unit with an internal airbag as the securing mechanism example 1 holding items 14, clothing in this example, in place. The airbag in this example has an externally protruding valve 2. The unit in this example has a handle 4 incorporated into the design of the left and right walls. The drawing also shows stacking feet 5 with corresponding stacking holes 6 as a stacking mechanism example. Door connectors 7 and their corresponding holes 8 are also shown as door connector example.

FIG. 9 shows the side view of a rectangular wardrobe type unit with an internal airbag as the securing mechanism example 1 holding items 14, clothing in this example, in place. The airbag in this example has an externally protruding valve 2. The unit in this example has a handle 4 incorporated into the design of the left and right walls. The drawing also shows stacking feet 5 with corresponding stacking holes 6 as a stacking mechanism example.

FIG. 10 shows the perspective view of a rectangular drawer type drawer unit with an internal airbag as the securing mechanism example 1 holding items 14, clothing in this example, in place. The airbag in this example has an externally protruding valve 2. The unit in this example has a handle 4 incorporated into the design of the left and right walls. The drawing also shows stacking feet 5 with corresponding stacking holes 6 as a stacking mechanism example. Door connectors 7 and their corresponding holes 8 are also shown as door connector example.

FIG. 11 shows the side view of a rectangular drawer type unit with an internal airbag as the securing mechanism example 1 holding items 14, clothing in this example, in place. The airbag in this example has an externally protruding valve 2. The unit in this example has a handle 4 incorporated into the design of the left and right walls. The drawing also shows stacking feet 5 with corresponding stacking holes 6 as a stacking mechanism example.

FIG. 12 shows the perspective view of a bookcase comprised of a topper unit 9, five shelf type units 10, and a stable base unit 11. The topper unit 1 has stacking feet 5, part of the stacking mechanism in this example. Each shelf type unit 10 has stacking feet 5 and stacking feet holes 6, the stacking mechanism in the example. Each shelf type unit 10 has door latches 7 and door latch holes 8, the door connection mechanism of this example. The door latch holes 8 of the top shelf type unit 10 are not used in this configuration. The door latches 7 of the bottom shelf type unit 10 are not shown in the drawing because they are not used in this configuration. Each shelf type unit 10 has a handle 4. The base unit 3 is a stable base design and has stacking feet holes 6, part of the stacking mechanism in this example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Each unit in the modular furniture framework will have a mechanism to ensure stable, flexible stacking so that units can be easily interchanged to create integrated pieces of furniture that are customized to fit an owner's needs. The drawings use stacking feet 5 with holes 6 as an example of a stacking mechanism. See FIGS. 1 through 11 for perspective, side, and top views of the feet 5 and holes 6.

Each unit in the modular furniture framework will have a mechanism for securing the items held within. Possible mechanisms include but are not limited to internal air bags and/or straps.

The airbag securing mechanism will work as follows. There will be an opening, on the top of the modular furniture for this example, unit through which the valve 2 for inflating and deflating the airbag 1 protrudes. When items within the modular furniture unit need to be secured, the owner will place the air bag inside the unit, or release the air bag from the restraints, and inflate the air bag through the valve. When items inside the modular furniture unit no longer need to be secured, the owner will deflate the air bag and remove it from the unit or refasten it with it restraints within the unit. See FIGS. 1 through 3 for perspective, side, and top views of the internal airbag 1 in an inflated state.

The strap securing mechanism will work as follows. The strap(s) 1 will be attached to the inside of the modular furniture unit. When items inside of the modular furniture unit need to be secured, the owner removes the straps from the storage restraints within the unit and places the straps across the items. The straps will essentially be big bands around the items. When items inside the modular furniture unit no longer need to be secured, the owner will release the straps from the items and return them to their storage restraints within the modular furniture unit. See FIGS. 5 through 7 for perspective, side, and top views of the internal strap 1 in an engaged position.

Shelving type units will have any empty internal space for storage with doors on the front side. Within this internal space will be a mechanism for supporting multiple internal shelves, including pull out shelves, in order to make the unit more customizable. The doors will have a locking mechanism so that the doors can be locked to support the weight of items stored within without opening during a move. The doors will be removable to accommodate the visual preference of an owner. There will also be mechanisms to connect the doors of adjoining units. The example used in the drawings is a latching mechanism 7 and 8. See FIGS. 1 through 11 for perspective, side, and top views of the latching mechanism 7 and 8.

Drawer type units will contain one or more drawers. Each drawer will have a locking mechanism so that it will not open during a move. See FIGS. 8 and 9.

Wardrobe type units will have any empty internal space for storing hanging items with doors on the front side. Within this internal space will be a horizontal rod to support hanging clothes. The doors will have a locking mechanism so that will help support it items stored within without opening during a move. The doors will be removable to accommodate the visual preference of an owner. See FIGS. 10 and 1.

Filing cabinet type units will have any empty internal space for storing files, hanging or otherwise. Filing cabinet type units will contain one or more drawers. Each drawer will have a locking mechanism so that it will not open during a move.

Table-desk type units will employ the same staking mechanism as the rest of the framework so they can connect easily to the any of the afore mentioned type of units. The framework will also include legs that employ the staking mechanism so that stand-alone desks and tables can be created. The table-desk unit will have attachments to provide for ergonomic configuration.

Combination type units will contain some combination of the above mentioned units. Within a combination type unit, the sub-unit of a given type will function and have the characteristics of same type of unit in the above mentioned paragraphs.

The base units will employ the same staking mechanism as the rest of the framework. There will be base units without wheels, base units with wheels like those commonly used in office furniture, and base units with a more durable hand-truck-like construction.

The toppers will also employ the same staking mechanism as the rest of the framework. The will be toppers that are primarily used to give a combine a finished appearance and toppers that are used to add stability. Examples of toppers used for stability include, but are not limited to, those that are meant to be used in conjunction with the hand-truck base, and those that may used to construct a bed unit.

FIG. 12 is an example of the units in the framework when combined to form a piece of furniture, in this example, a bookcase. The bookcase is comprised of a topper unit 9, five shelf type units 10, and a stable base unit 11. The stacking mechanism shown in FIG. 12 is one with stacking feet 5 and stacking feet holes 6. When units are stacked, the stacking feet 5 of a unit insert into the stacking feet holes 6 of the unit below it. Shelf type units 10 are used in this example. If an owner prefers, the doors of shelf type units 10 can be connected to function as one door with the door connection mechanism. The door connection mechanism of this example consists of door latches 7 and door latch holes 8. When shelf type units 10 are stacked, the door latches 7 of a unit can be made to insert into the door latch holes 8 of the unit below it. Each shelf type unit 2 has handles 4 to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of furniture pieces. 

1. A framework of modular furniture comprising a plurality of units each having an external form that can be made sturdy to support the storage of items within its interior. Each of the units will have a mechanism to secure items stored internally. Each unit will provide for appropriate storage of the securing mechanism. Examples of such mechanisms include but are not limited to: a. Internal airbags. b. Internal straps. c. Foam or other stuffing materials. d. High resistance surfaces such as Velcro or rubber pads.
 2. The external form of claim 1 will consist of any reliable sturdy shape. Examples of such sturdy forms include but are not limited to: a. A rectangular shaped box with a right wall, a left wall, a back wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall. b. A cylindrical shaped box with a back wall. c. A hexagonal shaped box with a back wall.
 3. The external form of claim 1 may be constructed in such a way that it is collapsible.
 4. The external form of claim 1 will constructed of wood, metal, plastic, or any other material with sufficient strength.
 5. The units of claim 1 will employ a mechanism that allows it to be stacked or fastened to a neighboring unit, or units, for stability. Such mechanisms include but are not limited to feet, feet with latches, and other traditional, unpatented methods of stacking.
 6. The units of claim 1 will employ a mechanism that facilitates carrying during a move. Such mechanisms include but are not limited to handles incorporated into the physical design of the unit or adjoined to the unit.
 7. The units of claim 1 will have cover that fit over it to protect it during a move. This cover will be made of cloth or some other durable material.
 8. Some units of claim 1 will provide shelf functionality. For units of this type, the front wall of claim 2 will consist of one or more doors. The door(s) will have a locking mechanism so that the door(s) can be locked to support the weight of items stored within without opening during a move. The door(s) will be removable. The shelf units may be comprised of 1 or more internal shelves, which can be stationary or pull out.
 9. Some units of claim 1 will provide wardrobe functionality. For units of this type, the front wall of claim 2 will consist of one or more doors. The door(s) will have a locking mechanism so that the door(s) can be locked to support the weight of items stored within without opening during a move. The door(s) will be removable. The wardrobe units may have one or more internal horizontal bars from which to hang items.
 10. Each door of claims 8 and 9 will employ a mechanism that will enable it to be attached to the door of neighboring units so that they may function as a single door.
 11. Some units of claim 1 will provide drawer functionality. For units of this type, the front wall of claim 2 will consist of the front(s) of the drawer(s). These units may be comprised of 1 or more drawers.
 12. Some units may provide a combination of drawer, wardrobe, and shelf functionality. Within such a unit, a shelf will function as defined in claim
 8. Within such a unit, wardrobe will function as defined in claims
 9. Within such a unit, a drawer will function as defined in claim
 11. 13. The framework of modular furniture will include a plurality of base units. At least one appropriate to each of the possible rigid forms defined in claim
 2. 14. Some base units of claim 13 will be constructed to remain stationary, with small castor wheels, or with large wheels to support hand-truck-like movement.
 15. Attachments will be provided for the units of claim 1 to interact with the bases of claim
 13. 16. The framework of modular furniture will include a plurality of topper units. At least one appropriate to each of the possible rigid forms defined in claim
 2. 17. Some topper units of claim 16 will be constructed to interact with the base units of claim
 18. 18. The framework of modular furniture will include a plurality of table or desk units. At least one appropriate to each of the possible rigid forms defined in claim
 2. 19. The framework of modular furniture will include a plurality of leg units. At least one appropriate to each of the possible table or desk units defined in claim. The leg units will allow stand-alone tables or desks to be composed within the furniture framework.
 20. Ergonomic attachments will be provided for the table or desk units defined in claim
 18. These attachments include but are not limited to keyboard and mouse holders, book holders, and mechanisms to adjust the height of laptops or screens. 